Coach company rolls on

PUSHING AHEAD: From humble beginnings in 1957, with six buses, Port Stephens Coaches now operates a fleet of over 100 buses across Australia employing 150 people.

“Drivers had to be jack of all trades with definite mechanical aptitudes."

Drivers had to be jack of all trades.

PSC were the first operator in the Hunter to purchase the big Volvo Buses, which is now the most successful bus supplier in Australia.

They were the first operator in NSW to purchase Volgren bus bodies, now the number one bus body supplier in Australia.

They was also the first operator in the Hunter to introduce GPS tracking to its fleet and the first in 25 years to run the new double decker coach in NSW.

Synonymous with service, bus driving at its heart is all about the drivers, and PSC would not be where it is today without the dedication and skills of its workforce.

“To be a bus driver you number one must love driving and be good with people,” said Chris who did his time at the wheel as he rose through the company.

“Our philosophy in recruitment has always been, it's easier to teach someone to drive than teach a great personality, so our emphasis is to employ drivers who are good with the customers and are customer focused.

”We are a modern company employing people who want to come for the ride with us. They have to enjoy what they do – it can’t be just a job.”

Its a view borne from the heart, providing the foundations on which the company is built.

“It is an honour for members of the Fogg Family to still be involved in a family business which was started by our grandfather 60 years ago,” AlisonChris said.

“It started from humble beginnings and mum and dad struggled for many years but persevered.

“We have grown up with this business and it is something that we love. We are honoured to put on our shirts everyday, our badge of honour.”

When asked about the journey ahead, Chris and Alison are clear.

“We’ll do what we do well; we’ll be the best at what we do; and we’ll do it with pride,” they said. “We want to grow in our grass roots area and serve the community that has supported us so well for so many years.

“Before grandad started PSC in 1957 he and his brothers were running buses in the coalfields out of Cessnock since 1927.

“So this year also marks the family’s involvement in public transport in the Hunter for 90 years.

“Our forefathers would be proud of the achievements.

“We are the only Fogg family still in the bus Industry for not only 60 years but 90 years strong, and we look forward to our 100th anniversary.”